MUSIC AND

HOMELESSNESS
Austin Gilbert
James Madison University

KEY FINDINGS SUGGESTIONS

Interviews conducted with participants involved in
music "interventions" described the event as a way to
FOR PRACTICE
"feel connected to their families" and "feel supported in
a time of crisis" (Fairchild & Thompson, 2016).
Children participating in these activities described Music educators with students experiencing
how "music provided an escape from their lives" as homelessness could use more positive
well as "provided hope for a better future" (Fairchild & reinforcement to enhance potential
McFerran, 2018). engagement from those students (Fantuzzo &
Results support the use of music based services for LeBouef, 2012).
youth experiencing homelessness as a way for them to
connect, engage, and experience creative forms of self-
expression (Kelly, 2018). Providing consistently scheduled events for
Participants of The Shelter Band portrayed improved people experiencing homelessness could
perceptions of social support and self-esteem (Knapp & strengthen the benefits gained from
Silva, 2019) participating in music interventions.
Children participating in music activities described
feeling intense emotions during the event (Fairchild &
Thompson, 2016). Implementing permanent "music studio" spaces
For people experiencing homelessness, busking was not with equipment and trained staff to assist
only a form of making income, but also made things during hours of operation at shelters has
easier in their situations (Dees, 2012). potential to provide benefits to the residents of
Young students experiencing homelessness displayed the shelters.
an increase in the strength of their responses to music
classes, participation with their teachers and music,
and even incorporated music class materials into Consider the possibility and potential benefits
different parts of their day (Dansereau, 2020). that could come with providing participants
with an audience for their performance (e.g.
enhanced views of support from society,
improved value of self-esteem).
FUTURE RESEARCH
Music educators could consider ways to make choosing
Including diverse populations of people experiencing their courses less intimidating for students who might
homelessness might further enhance the use of the not have access to all the resources required/that other
knowledge gained from research. A valuable addition students have access to (e.g. advertise supplying
to this research could be found by including students instruments).
from music classrooms in the study.
Do the effects of homelessness effect students decisions
to participate in music classes when it is no longer
required by curriculum?
How often do people that reside at homeless shelters
receive access to music activities? Would the benefits
and relief these activities bring warrant more frequent
opportunities?
For shelters that have their own creative music space,
how much does it cost to maintain?
Is there a specific type of activity/music intervention
that is easier for participants to get into or one that
provides more benefits to participants?
What are the effects the location/environment has on
providing music activities to people experiencing
homelessness?
Are there ways to make music courses more accessible
for students experiencing homelessness?

Dansereau, D. (2020). Musical engagement with young children experiencing homelessness: An exploratory study. Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, 225, 22-44. doi:10.5406/bulcouresmusedu.225.0022
Fairchild, R., Thompson, G., & McFerran, K. (2016, February 23). Exploring the meaning of a performance in music therapy for children and their families experiencing homelessness and family violence. Music Therapy
Perspectives, 35(1), Pages 36–49, https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/miw004
Fairchild, R., & McFarren, K. S. (2018, September 29). "Music is everything": Using collaborative group songwriting as an arts-based method with children experiencing homelessness and family violence. Nordic Journal of Music
Therapy, 28(2), Pages 88-107, DOI: 10.1080/08098131.2018.1509106
Kelly, B. L. (2018, May 3). Music-based services for young people experiencing homelessness: Engaging strengths and creating opportunities. Sage Discipline Hubs, 98(1), pages 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.2017.9
Knapp, D. H., & Silva, C. (2019, August 01). The shelter band: Homelessness, social support and self-esteem in a community music partnership. International Journal of Community Music, 12(2), 1 pages 229-247.
https://doi.org/10.1386/ijcm.12.2.229_1